Doula Naomi

“It makes sense that the placenta almost looks like a tree with many branches - a tree of life.” - Ricki Lake ❤️

“Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor.”

- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Do you have any questions about adding a doula to your birth team? Let me know in the comments! 🥰

⚡️THE FETAL EJECTION REFLEX ⚡️

After about an hour of established labor after the midwife broke her water, this mama went from 7.5 cm to her baby being born in the span of 15 minutes!!!!!

This was due to the Fetal Ejection Reflex kicking in which allowed her baby to be born after just a few involuntary “pushes” from mama. Her body did the work for her - no active pushing needed!

Her labor progressed so quickly that her midwife was on a bathroom break and guess who got to jump in and catch the baby 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️

⚡️What is the fetal ejection reflex?

The FER, also known as the Ferguson reflex, is a completely normal labor variation that is more commonly seen in birth environments where the mother feels relaxed and safe OR when the mother feels threatened in the final stages of labor!!

The reflex gets triggered by high levels of stress hormones during the transition phase of labor when the cervix is fully dilated and the baby is making its way into and through the birth canal.

This results in a few very powerful contractions (“involuntary pushes”) which birth the baby quickly, without any active pushing from the mother.

“In the wild, mother and young have a better chance of survival if the mother can regulate labor so that the young are born in safe, quiet surroundings.”
–Niles Newton

I talk to a lot of second-time moms who say they wish they had a doula the first time around. If you are even considering hiring a doula for the birth of your first baby, talk to moms who used a doula as part of your research! They offer a valuable perspective that will help you decide if a doula is right for you!

(📸 Vincent Ferrané)

Did you know that it’s possible to induce lactation in non-birthing parents!? I did not know this before studying lactation and was fascinated to learn about it!

Inducing lactation, also known as "adoptive breastfeeding" is when a person is able to breastfeed without going through a pregnancy themselves. 

Reasons one might want to induce lactation:
🍼Adopting a baby
🍼Having a child born via surrogacy
🍼A family member wants to relactate to support with feedings (this may sound strange but is completely normal in many cultures!)
🍼And in many other circumstances for both nutritional and bonding purposes

Isn’t the human body incredible?!

If you’re interested in learning more about inducing lactation, shoot me a message!

(📸 Photo: Ryanne O’Keeffe)

LACTATION FAQ! 🍼

How long should I breastfeed?

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby’s life with continued breastfeeding combined with foods for up to 2 years of age or longer!

If you’re interested in learning more about the ways in which I can support you through your breastfeeding journey, shoot me a message and we’ll chat! 🤱

(📸 by Tina Modotti - Conchita with Her Mother Luz Jimenez, Mexico City, 1926)

“Birth isn’t something we suffer, but something we actively do and exult in.”⁠
- Sheila Kiyzinger⁠
Inquiries: doulanaominyc.com/contact
📸 Stephanie Cabrera

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” - Maya Angelou
Aren't mothers just the best!?
Inquiries: doulanaominyc.com/contact

Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that has been used over the last 2,000 years as a method of pain management during labor! 🤰

🫶🏼Acupressure uses non-invasive touch to help:
- Reduce labor pain by promoting the release of endorphins, a natural pain-relieving hormone
- Promote cervical dilation
- Increase the efficiency of the contractions
- Help increase the production of oxytocin
- Reduce nausea
- And more!!

Acupressure is a wonderful tool to use during labor and one of the many ways your doula can support you!

Shoot me a message to learn more about my doula services! My calendar is filling up through 2023 📖

What is the difference between a birth doula and a postpartum doula? Good question!

A birth doula supports you through pregnancy, labor, and birth, while a postpartum doula supports you and your family during the "fourth trimester" or the 12 weeks following your baby's birth 💓

(Photo by: Monika Kozub)

Expecting a new addition to the family?!

I'm currently booking Full-Spectrum Doula Care, Birth Photography, and Lactation Counseling Services from February through October 2023!!

Fill out the contact form on my site to get in touch ❤
- https://doulanaominyc.com/contact

(Photo credit: Unknown)

"If I had to do my pregnancies and births over again I would listen to others less and trust myself more."
~Darla Adler Burns

(📸 Ludy Siqueira)

How to breastfeed as a team! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧

👉 Encourage your partner with positive reinforcement
👉 Provide moral support and listen.
👉 Do as much as you can around the home
👉 Reach out to professionals when needed
👉 Care for her by cooking her favorite food/snacks
👉 Have skin-to-skin contact with your baby, during bath time.
👉 Help conduct research when any problems arise.

Learn more about our Full Spectrum Doula Care and Lactation Counseling: https://www.doulanaominyc.com/

The stages of labor can be broken down into 4 parts. 🤱

1️⃣Dilation of the cervix
We have the early phase, where the cervix opens up to roughly 3cm..
The active phase, where the cervix opens to 8cm.
The transitional phase where opens up to 10cm.

2️⃣Delivery of the baby
The cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters.
Regular contractions every 1-3 minutes for 45-75 seconds.
This stage ends with the baby’s head crowning, with the shoulders and body following.

3️⃣Afterbirth
Once the baby is born, the placenta is pushed out roughly 5-30 minutes post-birth in stage 2. Stitches will also be administered if needed.

4️⃣Recovery
This begins 2-3 hours post-delivery.
The uterus may contract here and there, pushing out what’s left inside.
If you can, take a shower during this period.

Have a question about childbirth? Let me know below!

(📸 Gustavo Gomes)

Aromatherapy oils provide that little bit of extra support during pregnancy & birth.

They can assist with:
✅Nausea
I recommend oils that contain peppermint, lemon & lavender.

✅Stretch marks
Use geranium & cypress-based oils.

✅Varicose veins
Use geranium & cypress-based oils.

✅Pain management!
Any of your favorites to help engage your senses and bring you back into the present moment.

On the day to day I LOVEEE lavender and peppermint! What are some of your favs?

Happy New Year Loves! Wishing you and your families a healthy and joyful 2023. I’m starting off the New Year on call for one of my birth doula clients which means I’m laying low and am spending some quality time with loved ones as we await the arrival of her baby boy 🐣 Can’t wait to meet all of my 2023 families and babies! ❤️ Xoxoxox

Some of the things I'll be doing during your labor are:
 
• Giving words of encouragement
• Massage and movement suggestions
• Breathing techniques
• Keep you up-to-date with what is happening and advocating for your preferences when needed
• Giving your partner breaks!
• Making sure you feel comfortable, safe, and respected
 
Basically, I will take care of anything you ask for during labor or delegate to the right person. I've been asked to get drinks, snacks, take photos, sing, call family members and many other things, and it's my pleasure to do anything to make you happier or more comfortable.

"Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is courageous and bold and the body, a miracle of wisdom.”— Harriette Hartigan

📸

What a beautiful day it is ❤️ I'm so grateful for the sunshine beaming through my window today. What are you feeling thankful for today?

Will baby come early, be on time or arrive late? There is always much speculation from everyone about this, but Mother Nature and babies are in strong cahoots and we never know when they will decide it is time.

To ensure I am available when you go into labor, I only take a certain number of clients a month with generous time on either side of the due date.

This does mean that us doulas book out in advance and can not guarantee we’ll be available to support you if you get in touch close to your due date.

To learn more and get in touch: http://doulanaominyc.com/

Throughout life, we go through many transformations on many levels. But the transformation into parenthood is perhaps one of the most heart-opening, life-changing, and dramatic that any person can go through. That goes for both parents, not just the birthing one!

Inquiries: http://doulanaominyc.com/

(📸 Photo by Heidi Blanton-Pohl of and )

Lactation myths BUSTED! 🥰

❌Small breasts won’t make enough milk
Your capacity is not based on breast size!
❌Nipple pain is normal
Sure it’s common, but if you find yourself uneasy at the thought of the next feed, contact a lactation consultant.
❌Breastfeeding should come naturally
Breastfeeding is a learned behavior. It takes time, patience and practice ❤️

Do you have any questions about lactation or breastfeeding?

Inquiries: http://doulanaominyc.com/

You might be wondering if your Doula replaces a birth partner? 🤔

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!

Not all birthing people have or want a birth partner present during their labor - And that’s okay!

But if you do, your Doula can be an incredible *addition* to your team and don’t replace the loving emotional support that a birth partner can provide.

Us doulas bring a wealth of experience to your birth team by answering questions, communicating with health professionals, and assisting your partner on ways they can be hands-on in providing you and your baby care.

We’re here to help you and your birth partner through this new journey! ❤️

Inquiries: http://doulanaominyc.com/

(📸 PIC: "In Her Arms" )

Lactation Counselors are not *just* there to support you if you hit a roadblock on your breastfeeding journey.  They are also there to be an emotional support person and educational resource who can assist you in achieving your breastfeeding goals ~ as nature allows.  

Especially for my first-time mothers, I suggest getting connected with a Lactation Counselor during the prenatal period so they can familiarize themselves with your medical profile, breastfeeding goals, and can help you best prepare for what's to come!

I offer prenatal and postpartum lactation counseling sessions both virtually and in person!  Email me at [email protected] to schedule a complimentary initial consult ❤️ I'd love to connect!

Thank you Ina May Gaskin for this lovely quote. It's so true! Your birth experience will impact you in ways that stretch far beyond what the eye can see. Giving birth is not only an initiation into motherhood but it's also a milestone of personal development - Whether you're ready for it or not! This is why having a TRUE support system around you during the prenatal and postpartum periods is so important for the overall well-being of mothers.
If you've given birth, what did your prenatal and postpartum support look like?!?

Inquiries: http://doulanaominyc.com/